April 14, 2009
Networking
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For women who work in business, the arts and the professions, Network Dublin is a fantastic organisation. I’ve been a member for over three years now and sat on the Committee for three years as PRO. It’s a welcoming, social network where women meet new people, make new contacts, renew older contacts and have a good time.
If you are around town tomorrow night, Wednesday, 15th April, from 6pm to 8.30pm, come along to the Herbert Park Hotel in Ballsbridge. Michael Comyn, renowned trainer and stress consultant, will be discussing ways in which to thrive in troubled times. And we all could do with a little of that!
I personally have seen Michael several times now and I always walk away inspired.
For more information on Network Dublin, the organisation for women in business, the arts and the professions, check out http://www.networkdublin.com/
April 14, 2009
Networking
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I’m a member of the BNI - Business Networking International - and it has a strict code of policies that as members we all follow.
Last Thursday, I slept in. I woke up at 7am and realised with a start, that I was late for BNi.
But I got thinking later on that day - is turning up late better than non attendance?
For anyone who is a member of BNI, then I’d welcome your comments.
A few of my group mailed me back the following comments: (I’ll leave out the comments where they told me that they missed me!!!)
- “It’s better late than never”
- “If you arrive past 7am, then you’re marked absent”
- “Late is late.”
So I guess I made the right decision in pulling the duvet over my head and sleeping in until 8pm.
Best not be late next week.
For more information on BNI in Ireland - check out http://www.bni-europe.com/ireland/
For more information on my own chapter - or if you’d like to visit, please go to www.bniabbey.com
April 9, 2009
General Marketing
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1. Start-Ups Given a Chance….
A Digital Media Works’ Incubator centre was launched in Derry City last week to encourage start-ups with hopes for 150 new jobs.
It is hoped to attract entrepreneurs from the worlds of animation, music technology, graphic design, computer game programming, 3D design and software development. It will be managed by Northern Ireland Innovation & Business Centre.
As for the Enterprise Centre in Drogheda, it is at the evaluation of architectural tendering stage. It’ll be up and running in no time!
2. Recruitment is still alive and well…..
Dublin-based Durkan Residential is setting up a new subsidiary, Durkan EcoFix, to make homes more energy efficient with the help of Home Energy Saving Scheme (HES) grants. They will create 150 jobs.
3. 10,000euros up for grabs…..
IQContent are giving away €10,000 with no strings attached for a person or business who has the best Internet product idea. So their challenge to you is to focus on the business application of your idea, by creating a 5-page business plan for a sustainable, Internet-based business.
They started in the last recession. They want other new successful businesses to start in this one. Check out their website - closing date is the 12th May. What a fantastic idea. They’re following the Obama effect - why are they giving away €10,000? Because they can!
4. Internet usage continues to grow…
Internet World Stats informed us that there are 1,596 million of us - that’s internet users as on 31 March 2009. You know what it means? A market with huge potential. Go out there and market!
5. Innovative Ideas to Beat the Recession….
This is a new topic I’d like to see continuing..launching new ideas or coming up with innovative ideas to beat the big R.
Take KlassyDress Hire for example. For fashionistas down Carlow direction, Klassy Dress Hire & Sales want to dress you for less. Based in Clonegal, Co. Carlow, they have classy and glamourous clothing and accessories for sale or HIRE. It was featured on TV3’s Xpose for the fantastic range it has available to you to hire. I love it - style without the cost. Check out their website for more info - www.klassydresshire.ie.
6. Eating Chocolate & Hot Cross Buns without the Guilt…
As this is officially Chocolate (I mean Easter Weekend) - go and enjoy the break and the time with your family.
See you all next week with a renewed sense of purpose and a spring in your step.
6. Achievements last week…
Roseanne from IIA @iia put a call out on Twitter last Friday looking for achievements. Here are some:
@activateireland: Won a contract for the online marketing of a state body
@giftsandvouchers: Welcomed David Quaid @primaryposition on board as a Partner
@giftsdirect: 2 new product ranges - Wedding Gifts & Experience Day Gifts went live on their site
@evilphil: Agreed to develop a web app for a client. Contracts not signed yet though (lets hope that was this week’s achievements)
@laughing_lion: Arranged an interview with an American illustrator she really admires (with more to come!)
Keep those achievements coming.
***Ends until Next Thursday***
April 8, 2009
General Marketing, General musings
2 Comments
I listened intently yesterday to the radio stations, the news, the TV, podcasts of radio shows on the Budget. Today, I did none of that.
I decided to work from home so didn’t step outside the door other than to go the gym. I didn’t listen to the radio and for once I didn’t turn on Twitter. I wasn’t going to add to the blogosphere about the budget.
No budget update for me. I know what it the changes mean. Less money for me, and you and everyone else. I was angry today but that’s not me…I’m more of a positive person so decided to deliberately stay away from it all.
So I spent my time more wisely. I sent out my ezine yesterday and the main theme was marketing effectively to get and keep your cash. But take action.
So I took action - today I wrote and submitted the first of my 100 marketing articles. I started another one.
Actions do speak louder than words. I’m actioning. I’m changing. I’m in the ‘Yes I Can’ mode. I’m feeling the Obama effect not the Cowen affect.
So go out there, stay positive and take action.
April 7, 2009
Drogheda
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I got an email about this and thought it was a wonderful initiative. Please consider it - it’s a great initiative.
The second annual national Job Shadow initiative (JSI) will take place on Wednesday 22nd April 2009, following the tremendous success of last year’s one day event. On the 23rd April 2008 hundreds of individuals with disabilities throughout Ireland were afforded the unique opportunity to shadow a workplace mentor (employee) as they went through a normal working day within hundreds of Employment sites/Companies across the Country. Over 20 Employers in Co. Louth took part in the initiative.
Co Louth Supported Employment Partnership Ltd, who are fellow members of Drogheda and District Chamber, are finalising plans for Job Shadow day on the 22nd of April 2009. More employers are required to participate in the initiative in order to meet the target for 2009.
If you would like to participate in this innovative and fabulous project, you can find out more by calling Helen Grant of the Co. Louth Supported Employment Partnership on 087 6386885 or by emailing supportedemploymentdlk@eircom.net.The Co. Louth Supported Employment Partnership Ltd is supported by Fas and funded under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
April 7, 2009
General Marketing
2 Comments
I’ve just signed up for the 100 articles in 100 days. So by July 1st, I will have to write 100 articles. What a great way to get motivated. I love writing and have been busy writing for my new products but sometimes it’s hard to get going. This is right up my street - it gives me motivation and accountability.
I’m thinking of the following topics:
1. Market Research
2. Marketing Planning
3. Marketing Mix
4. Promotions
5. Customer Attration - Similar to point no. 4
6. Customer retention
7. Customer care
Any ideas for topics are more than welcome.
Check out http://100articles100days.ning.com/ for more information if you’re up for the challenge yourself!
April 3, 2009
General Marketing, Good News Thursday
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Little late today - two weeks in a row (but it takes 21 weeks to make a habit so I’m not exactly habit forming just yet!)…Got some last minute stories in so all good for good news.
1. Recruitment is still alive & well with SMEs…..
Continuing on the vein of SMEs recruitment, New Bay Company, a software company based in Pearse Street are looking for talented Javascript/Interface Developers. Check out the recruitment page for more information.
Mor Solutions in Drogheda is still looking for PHP Developers.
2. Hollywood goes to the Dogs in Ireland…
Irish company Another Avenue were commissioned by Sony Pictures to produce a 2 minute video promoting the movie Mall Cop. It was filmed on location at Shelbourne Park and the Mall Cop himself flew into Dublin especially to film it.
You have to check out the site - www.anotheravenue.com - to see it. It’s fun. (I still can’t upload movies to wordpress!)
3. Super Cool Twitter Application - using your Phone
For all you twitterers….check out agtweet.com. It allows folks to update your twitter status via an Irish mobile number. Normal text rates apply but those of you who have a ‘text bundle’ can twitter text for free. Agtweet resulted from a Sprint project - a rapid fire programme to launch a new online business in the shortest time possible. No procrastination allowed on this programme!
4. Awards & Winners
Women Mean Business magazine set the date for their fantastic conference & awards. Ladies, put 28th September into your diary. More information on the awards will be forth-coming in the June edition. I’ll be sure to share more details too.
Monaghan-based Universal Graphics won a prestigious national award for signage work on a fleet of 500 truck trailers. They print all types of large format trucks and their work for SuperValu won the award for best design on trucks. Well done.
And on a final note…….
I’d like to wish Sarah Nic Lochlainn of the fantastic Fushia House Restaurant in Ardee the best of luck on Sunday. She remonished me for being late for GNT as her GNT is that she can now run 10km with ease and is taking part in the Great Ireland Run in the Pheonix Park on Sunday.
Good Luck Sarah (and everyone else taking part).
***Until next week - keep those good news stories coming***
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